Seattle vs Bellingham: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,320▲ | $106,823 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.89▲ | $51.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,769 | $62,021▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,998▲ | $74,758 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,413▲ | $172,170 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $449,396▲ | $284,653 |
| Total Employed | 3,940▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $11,497 (10.76%). Seattle's median is +9.01% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $389,627,Bellingham spans $222,632. Seattle has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($106,467 effective) pays 2.99% more than Bellingham ($103,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($449,396)
- ✓Larger job market (3,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,467)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Seattle grew 7.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$106,950 (2019) → $114,540 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$82,830 (2019) → $103,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Seattle or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Bellingham as a financial advisor?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov